Timer



Jan. 7, 93. A. o. oLAFsoN 2,026,648

TIMER Filed July 14, 1925 4 Sheer.s-Sheerl l A. O. OLAFSON Jan. 75 1936.

TIMER Filed July 14, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 .w SN

awasow- @ai me Jan. 7, 1936. A o. OLAFSON 2,026,648

TIMER Filed Ju1yl4, 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 A. O. OLAFSON Jan. 7, 1936.

TIMER Filed July 14, 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 g l E 'IIIIIIIIII PatentedJan. 7, 1936 PATENT OFFICE TIMER Alvin 0. Olafson,

St. Paul, Minn., assignor to Na.- tional Traffic Signal Company,

St. Paul, Minn.,

a corporation of Minnesota,

Application July 14, 1928, Serial No. 292,834

15 Claims.

(Cl. 20D-30) My invention relates to a timer adapted to of variousratios that are obtainable with my operate street signals, having meansfor obtaining different changes of time for signals, particularly thetype of signals which direct traffic on the streets, however, of course,my timer can be used for any purpose where an electric circuit isdesired to be closed at different predetermined intervals and theprimary object is to provide a timer of a simple nature having a smallnumber of parts and yet being adjustable for virtually any ratio oftime.

An important feature of the invention resides in the scale which showscertain ratios of time or intervals of operation of the timer. Thisscale is so arranged that predetermined ratios appear thereon, and by asimple setting of the regulator the ratios of time indicated on thescale are obtained.

It is also a feature of my invention to provide a means of maintaining aconstant or predetermined contact for the electrical switch of my timer.In a timer of this nature it is important that the durations of thecontact be maintained the same. While this contact may be varied as tothe predetermined duration of the same, my means oi providing a constantpredetermined period of the operation of the electrical switchirrespective of the speed of the timing disc is an important feature. Insetting the operation of the timing disc, means are provided whichautomatically set the switch operating means so as to maintain theconstant predetermined duration of operation of the switch. In otherwords. the switch is always closed for the same length of timeirrespective of the speed of rotation of the timing disc and this isdone automatically in the setting or changing of the operating speed ofthe operating disc.

It is also a feature of my timer to provide a means adapted to indicatethe color showing in the different directions of the sides of the signalso that when the timer is set the operator setting the timer can tellexactly what color is indicated in certain directions on the signalafter once the signal operated by the timer has been set. Thus eventhough the timer is remote from the street signal which it is operating,the operator at the timer can tell how the signal is operating and whichcolors are showing in which directions without even seeing the streetsignal.

'Ihis signal includes forty-nine different changes on the scale asindicated. Obviously this scale can be varied to give more or lessvariations. This scale is simply exemplary of a-means timer.

Another feature of my timer resides in a governor operable with thedriving motor which is adapted to govern the speed of the motor in sucha manner so that irrespective of the ratios set up and illustrated onthe scale, my timer can be operated at diiferent ratios of speed toindicate different ratios even to the fractions of a second.

This governor is ordinarily not used, being desir- 1o able only when anextremely exact time adjustment is desired. While I have illustrated thescale with the proportions thereon, I have also indicated a means ofsetting my timer so as to be operable to set the same at differentratios lo and when setting the signal in this manner the governor isemployed to regulate the operation of the operating motor. I also usethe opposite side of the timing disc to that used when the scaleindicated is employed when the governor is being used to regulate thespeed of the operating motor.

My timer includes a means of setting the operating timer discautomatically to any time desired for the complete rotation of the sameand I include a means of dividing the time that the timing disc is setinto the proportions or ratios indicated by the scale or as may bedesired by the setting of the same in accordance with the governor.

My timer is provided with a scale of a nature which permits theselection of different ratios very readily. Knowing the ratio of timesdesired, the first division such as 30 may be ascertained and then byfollowing from the division 30 diagonally across the scale to the seconddivision desired the position of the timing indicator is ascertained. Ibelieve this is entirely new in its operation in quickly giving theratios desired and in automatically setting the timing mechanism inproper position to carry out the ratios required.

These objects and features together with others will be more fully andclearly amplied in the specification and claims.

In the drawings forming part of my specification:

Figure 1 illustrates the casing and standard for inclosing my timer, aportion of which is broken away and showing the cover dropped down inopen position.

Figure 2 is a side view of the casing, partly in section and partlybroken away with the cover in open position and the tray partly drawnout of the casing.

showing the operating switch with the contacts y closed.

Figure 7 is a detail of a portion of the back of y my timer.

Figure 8 is a plan View of my timer, showing all of the parts of thesame excepting that a governor means is operable with the operatingmotor.

Figure 9 illustrates a sectional detail of the governor portion of thetimer.

Figure 10 is a detail of a portion of the timer which indicates thecolor of the screens of the street signal.

Figure 11 is a wiring diagram of my timer.

In the drawings I have illustrated a casing A which is adapted to besupported upon a standard I0 with a base portion II. The standard I0 andbase II are placed in any convenient position either on the street or ina remote place such as in the police station or traic station from whichthe trafiic signal is operated.

The casing A is designed to provide a housing or an inclosure for mytimer B. This casing is' formed with a cover I2 which is held by thebracket arms I3 and is adapted to drop into the position illustrated inFigures 1 and 2 when it is opened to permit the sliding table I4 to oedrawn out above the cover as illustrated in Figure 2.

The table I4 includes side members I5, transverse bars I6 which connectthe side members I5, and downwardly bent end portions I1 formed on ,theinner end of the side members I5. These ends I1 slide on the rods I 8.

The timer B is supported upon thetable I4 and is thus held within thecasing `A slideable intoy and out of the same. The idea of providingtheslideable support for the timer B is to permit the timer to be drawnforward when the door I2 is opened so that the timer B can be easilyadjustedand set as desired.

The door I2 is closed by slipping the upper end under the downwardlydepending iiange I9. The door I2 is illustrated in dotted outlines inclosed position in Figure 2. The lower or bottom end of the door I2 isprovided with a shoulder member 20 which engages against the corner 2Iwhen in open position so that the bracket arms I3 hold the cover I2 inthe position illustrated in -Figure 2 substantially in a parallel planewith the bottom 22 and with the lower end 23 of the cover engaging underthe bottom, as illustrated in Figure 2. The construction of this casingA is important in that it provides a very substantial and practicalmeans for inclosing the timer B. The timer of a street signal is ofprimary importance for if the timer does not operate properly -then thesignal will not operate and traiic is delayed or tied up. While my timeris not of a particularly delicate nature yet it is important that it beprotected within a. substantial casing, such as A.

The casing A forms the housing for the timer and also is adapted tosupport on the panel 24 a switch 25 for the motor C in the street signalD, illustrated in Figure 3. The switch 25 also turns on the `motor E ofthe timer B. 4 The panel 24 supports a general cut-out switch 26 whichcuts out all of the connections from the electrically operated partsassociated with the cas- 'ing A. I also provide a light switch 21 whichis e that two separate switches may be employed, one

for the motor C and one for the motor E. I will also` clearly set forththe ,operation of the timer independent ofthe switch 25, or circuits forthe same, so that the contact or operating switch of the timer B can bereadily operated by hand. This hand operation I willdescribedhereinafter.

'I'he standard Ill is hollow or tubular and the wiring can extend fromthe casing A down through the same and be connected with the signal D ora series of signals D as may be desired.

My timer B is of a simple nature and is designed to'be operable in amanner to be set for predetermined intervals of changes for theoperation of the street signal D, or a series of the same, and I havedesigned the same to be operated by a small motor E which is supportedon the base 32. The motor E is provided with an operating shaft 33 whichis adapted to operate thetransmission gears 34 inclosed within thecasing 35 so as to conceal and protect the transmission.

My timer B is operated by the motor E and the transmission within thecasing 35 which are mounted upon the base 32. The main operating switchF of the timer which is adapted to be operated by the same is positionedon the front of the timer across the base of the same and is formed withoperating arms 36 and 31 which are superimposed and are formed withcontact ends 38 and 39, respectively. The lower arm 3B remainscomparatively stationary in position, while the upper arm 31 is of aspring nature and is separated by the insulating 40 at the other endofthe arm from the arm 36 and is adapted to move downward when depressedby the timing mechanism which will be hereinafter described. When -thearm 31 is released its spring nature raises it out of contact so thatthe contacts 38 and 39 are broken. Suitable connector members- 4I and 42lead from the arms 36 and 31, respectively, to provide a connection withthe magnet G in the signal D. When the switch F is operated the magnet Gis operated and this causes the signal D to operate.

My signal D operates in the manner set forth and described in myapplications, Serial Numbers 234,168 and 268,552, and I have thereforenot illustrated the detail of construction of the signal D. It will alsobe obvious from the detail which is to follow of the timer B that mytimer can be used for other signalling devices than that set forth in myapplications and for other purposes, so as to provide a timer of thenature which will be more fully and clearly hereinafter described.

The transmission operates to drive the main timer drive shaft AI4 whichextends out of the transmission casing 35 and operates the sliding gear45. The shaft 44 extends to the vertically disposed side 4S which issupported upon the base 32 by the nuts 41.

The gear 45 is connected to the rack member 48 in a manner so as to beoperated to slide the gear back and forth on the shaft 44 when the rackmember is moved back and forth.

The rack member 48 is formed with a projecting portion 49 which engagesabout the collar 50 of the gear so that the gear 45 may rotate freelyeven though it is operable by the rack member 48 back and forth on theshaft 44. I'he gear 45 is keyed in an ordinary manner to the shaft 44 sothat when the shaft 44 rotates the gear 45 also rotates therewith. Thusthe shaft 44 is adapted to rotate the gear 45 through the transmissionin the casing 35 when the motor E is in operation. The rack member 48 isformed with an integral upwardly extending portion 50 from which projectthe ear members 5I and which are adapted to engage the horizontallydisposed shaft 52. A further extension 53 projects upwardly from theportion 50 and over the top of the plate member 54, the portion 53 beingbent downward so as to provide a pointer end 55 which indicates theposition of the rack. The plate 54 forms a bearing for holding theupwardly projecting ends 58 and 53 of the rack member 48 so as to holdthe same upright and in line with the portions 50 and 53 bearing againstthe back of the plate 54, and thus the plate 54 forms a guide forholding the rack member 48 from tipping or tilting in its reciprocatingoperation. The shaft 52 supports the rack 48 permitting the ears 5l toslide freely on the shaft so that the rack 48 may be slid back and forthinto the desired position. 'I'he teeth 56 of the rack 48 engage with thegear teeth 51. The gear 51 is segmental as illustrated in Figure 10 andis carried by the operating arm 58 which is provided with an inwardlyturned end 59 between which a color indicating disc 6U operates todisclose a particular color through the opening 6|. The disc 60 isoperated by the cross member 62 which is secured thereto and which isrotated by the inwardly extending pins 81 and 91' which turn the cross62 one quarter turn at each contact. The disc is divided into quartersand two diametrically opposite quarters are colored red and theremaining two quarters are colored green. The pins 91 and 91' change thecolor displayed through the opening 6l each time they pass, to indicatethe color displayed by the operated signal through one pre-determinedside thereof.

The timer B is provided with an operating disc member 63 which issupported by the shaft 64 in the upwardly projecting side wall 46. Theshaft 64 extends virtually at right angles to the shaft 44 and supportsthe operating dise member 63 with the outer face 65 toward the front andwith the disc 63 extending so that it is in a position to operate theswitch F when the same is rotated.

The disc 63 is formed with a series of rows of pins 66 which projectfrom the back face 61 of the disc 63. Each row of pins 66 are positionedconcentric to the other rows so as to provide a series of concentricallyextending gear-like pin projections to form a pin gear on the back faceof the disc 63 adapted to engage with the gear 45. The gear 45 isslidable as heretofore described and may be set so as to function withany single row of pins 66 at one time. 'I'his operates the operatingdisc member 63 in the operation of the timer B. Thus when the motor E isoperated and the shaft 33 drives the transmission within the casing 35,the shaft 44 will operate the gear 45 and this gear will drivel the disc63 to rotate the same by engagement with one of the rows of pins 66. Therows of pins 66 closer to the axis of the shaft 64 drive the disc 63faster, while the rows of pins nearer the circumference of the disc 63drive the disc slower. In this manner I provide a timing means whichoperates the timing disc 63 in proportion to the time desired, bysetting the gear 45 to operate the disc 63 at the desired speed. 'I'hepin gear formed by the pin 66 together with the gear 45 prevent slippingof the driving parts and positively drive the disc 63 without anyslippage, and thus I am able to time the rotation of the disc 63 byselecting the row of pins 66 for the particular time desired which ittakes for the disc 63 to rotate a full revolution.

The setting of the gear 45 is accomplished by the arm 58 which operatesthe gear 51 to engage the teeth 56 of the rack 48 and move the gear 45to the desired position to engage the desired row of pins 66. Theoperating arm 58 is provided with a catch member 68 which is heldslidable to the back of the member 58 by the pins 69 and the spring 10operates to hold the latch 68 with the pointed end 1l normally engagingin one of the notches 12 formed in the quadrant 13 which is supportedfrom the side wall of frame portion 46. The latch 68 is provided with anoffset upper end 14 from which a pin 'l5 projects toward the front sothat the latch may be engaged by this pin 15 and raised out of thenotches 12 to permit the arm 58 to be moved in a manner to move the rack48 and set the gear 45 with the desired row of pins 66.

The plate 54 is provided with a gauge plate member 16 secured to theface thereof, as illustrated in Figure 4. The gauge member 16 is dividedoff by vertical lines 11 and horizontal lines 18. The gauge plate 16 lsangular in shape having one side thereof extending virtually parallelwith the top edge 19 of the plate 54 over which the pointer 55 engagesso that the pointer will indicate the divisions or spaces formed on theplate 'I6 by the vertical lines 11. 'I'his gauge plate 16 is adapted toindicate the relative ratios of speed of rotation of the operating timerdisc member 63.

I have worked out a series of data which will facilitate in the simpleoperation of my timer B and have placed upon the plate 16 such data asis indicated in Figure 4. This data starting with the upper right handcorner in the first division, indicates 15/15, indicating a total ofthirty seconds for the complete rotation of the disc 63. The next spaceadjacent would indicate a time of a total of forty seconds for therotation of the disc 63, and in this space I indicated 20" and so onextending toward the upper left corner of the plate, the ratios wouldfigure 25/25, 30/30, 35/35, 40/40, and 45/45. These numerals indicatethe time it takes to rotate the disc 63 by using the respective rows ofpins 66 in the setting of the gear 45. When the arm 58 is set so thatthe pointer 55 indicates any one of these ratios the timer disc 63 willoperate to operate the switch F in the proportions of time as set forthon the indicating plate 16.

The lines 18 which extend horizontally across the plate 16 divide theplate in spaces horizontally and the first division horizontally I haveindicated by A which are the equal ratios in the operation of the disc63 so that each half operation of the disc is equal. The next horizontaldivision includes for the rst space from the left hand side B, thesecond C, the next D, the next E, the next F, and the next H,horizontally across the plate. Below these ratios I have indicated,starting from the left, the ratios G, H, I, J andfL. The next ratiosbelow these starting from the left "J", K, M, and O. 'Ihe next belowfrom the left, N, O", Q. The next below these from the left, P, R, andbelow this the ratio S.

It will be noted that my ratio plate 18 has indicated dilerent numeralsin the horizontal divisions thereof so as to indicate different timesstarting from the left of the plate in the rst ratio below 45/45, I haveindicated 40/50. The next division indicates /45, and extending on tothe right, the next division 30/40, and so on, to indicate the differentdivisions of time for the rotation of theI timing disc 63. It will benoted however, that all of the divisions below the upper equally dividedratios have a sum total Athe same as the sum total of the upper ratiosin the uppermost row on the plate 16. In other words, my ratioindicating plate has been worked out to give diiferent times for theoperation of the timing disc 63 in a simple manner so that when thetimer B is desired to be set for the ratios indicated on the plate V16,it is only necessary for the operator to engage the pin 15 and move theoperating arm 58, so that the pointer 55 will indicate the ratio onvtheplate 16 del sired. These ratios set the timer B so that it will operate`the signal D to direct traffic the number of seconds according to thenumerals indicated von vthe ratio plate 16 in each direction. Onenumeral of each division indicates the number of seconds that the signalD remains constant to direct the traic in a particular direction, whilethe numeral directly below the selected numeral indicates the number ofseconds that the signal D remains constant in the other direction. Thusif it is desired to operate the trac twenty-five seconds in eachdirection the pin 15 is engaged to release the member 58, sliding thepointer 55 so that it will be set directly above 25 in the third columnfrom the right hand corner of the plate 16.

When the timer B is set in this manner the timer disc 63 will operatethe traffic signal D so as to direct traflic twenty-five seconds in eachdirection. The timer disc 63 is provided with a switch operating member18 which is secured by the plate 19 to the face 65 of the disc 63 at theperiphery thereof. The plate 19 carries a slidable plate 88 which isheld by the pins 8| and is slidable by means of the slots 82 whichpermit the sliding of-the plate 88 on the pins 8l. The plate 80 carriesa roller lug 83 on` the end of the same at the periphery -of the disc 63which projects forwardly from the plate and which is adapted to rotatefreely. vA spring member 84 holds the plate 80 with the roller lug 83normally positioned so that the surface of the roller lug 83 isvirtually tangential with the periphery of the disc 63. In the rotationof the disc 63 in operation the roller lug 83 is adapted to engageagainst the top of the adjustable plate 85 which is slideably positionedjust above the depressor insulator block 86 carried by the switcharm 31andas the disc 63 rotates in the direction of the arrow, illustrated inFigure 4, the roller lug 83will roll off of the plate 85 and engage thedepressor block 86 by the action of the spring' 84 to press the switcharm 31 toward the arm 36 and cause the contacts 38 and 39 to come incontact, closing 'a circuit through the arms 36 and 31 which areconnected by suitable electrical conductors, not illustrated in thedrawings, and with the magnet G of the signal D. Thus the roller lug 88forms one operating member for the switch F carried by the disc 68. Iprovide a similar roller 88 which is carried by the slideable plate 89held by the pins-98 and provided with slots 91. A spring 92 holds thelug 88 and the plate 89 with the lug 88 normally tangential with theperiphery of the disc 63. This operating roller lug 88 is positioneddiametrically opposite the lug 83, as illustrated in the drawings inFigure 4, and when so positioned, the operation of the timing disc 63divides the time of the change or operation of the switch F equallyowing to the position of the lugs 83 and 88 semicircumferential fromeach other. The plate 89 carries the lug 88 projecting from the iront ofthe same in the same manner as the lug 88 projects from the plate 80.The plate 89, however, is carried by a pointer arm 93 formed withapointer end 98. This arm 93 lies flat against the face 65 of the disc63 and is pivotally and slideably connected at the .axis of the disc 63by vthe pin 95. The slot 98 formed in the pointer arm 93 permits the arm93 to be slideably mountedl on the axis pin 9 5 and to be pulledoutwardly radially and circumferentially adjusted. The

other end of the pointer arm 93 opposite to the positioned diametricallyopposite to the positionof the roller lug 83 and designates thesemicircumference of the' disc 63 in relation to the roller lug 83. Acoil spring 99 holds the pointer arm 93 with the pin 91 normally in thenotch 98. The pin 91 is not clearly visible in Figure 4 as it isdirectly in aixal alinement with the roller lug 88. However, thisl pinmay be seen clearly in Figure 8, the plan View of the timer B.

The roller lug 83 is held fixed in relation to the timer disc 63 as theposition of the same in relation to the circumference or periphery ofthe disc 63. It is, of course, radially slideable to compensate in theoperation for engagement with the plate 85 and to press against theinsulating block 86 to operate the switch F. This operating lug 83 istermed the ilxed timer operating lug. The other timer operating lug 88is the adjustable or time divider operating lug to change the operationof the timer B so that dierent periods of time may take place in theoperation of the signal D for trac in different directions. Theadjustable timer lug 88 is readily adjusted into the desired position byengaging the roller lug 88 and sliding the-pointer arm 93 against theoperation of the coil spring 99 on the I pin 95 which slides in the slot96, permitting the pin 91 to be raised out of the normal position in thenotch 98. The outer arm 93 canthen be moved in counter-clockwiserotation toward the notches |80 formed in the periphery of the disc 63to permit the adjustable roller lug 88- to be set in differentpositions. The pointer arm 94 of the armf93 points to the indicia H onthe face of the disc which indicates graduations extending to theletters A, B, C, D, E, etc., to S, inclusive, as indicated in Figure 4.This indicia refers to the indicia of a similar nature on the ratioplate 16, and is placed upon the face of the disc 63 for convenience tothe operator of the timer B, so that the timer disc 63 of the timer Bmay be set to operate the switch F in accordance with the ratios set upon the ratio plate 16. The setting and operation will be presentlydescribed.

'I'he ratio plate 16 accomplishes a very important function in my timerB in conjunction with the indicia H on the timer disc 63. I havedescribed how equal ratios may be accomplished by the timer disc 63 bypermitting the switch operating roller lugs 83 and 88 to remaindiametrically opposite to each other as positioned in Figure 4, and onlychanging the speed selector operating arm 58 by engaging the pin 15 andraising the catch 68 out of the notches 12 to operate the rack 48 tochange the position of the gear l5 in its engagement with the rows ofpin teeth 66 on the back of the disc 63. 'I'he changing of the gear 45as just set forth and previously described, changes the speed ofrotation of the disc 63. If the operating lugs 83 and 88 are left toremain diametrically opposite and the speed of the disc 63 is changed,it operates the pointer 55 to any of the ratios indicated in the rsthorizontal column from 15/15 to l)i5/45 of the ratio plate 16. This isreadily apparent as the two switch operating lugs 83 and 88 alwaysremain diametrically opposite to each other.

However, if it is desired to change the ratio as indicated by the otherhorizontal columns and also the vertical columns of the ratio plate 16,this can be readily accomplished, for instance, as follows: The ratio ofoperation of the signal D is first determined, such as thirty and fortyseconds, indicating that the signal would remain 'thirty seconds for onedirection of tramo and forty seconds for the other direction of traffic.Then selecting the smallest numeral of the ratio which is follow alongthe top of the ratio plate 16 until 30 is indicated, then from thispoint follow along in an angle virtually parallel with the angular side962 of the right hand side of the ratio plate 16 over the face of theratio plate until the combination 30/40 is obtained. This will be foundunder the column indicated in the top column by /35, which is the totalseventy seconds, the same sum total as the top column 35/35. Then byengaging the releasing pin 15 and setting the arm 58 so that the pointer55 is positioned pointing to this column, the speed f the timer disc 63is set. After the speed of the timer disc is set, then the roller lug 88is engaged and the pointer 94 is turned so that the pointer will be setpointing toward the letter on the indicia of the face of the disc 63,the same as which appears in the space with the ratio 30/40. AThis is inthe space where the ratio 30/40 appears D. Thus the pointer 94 is set soas to point toward the letter D in the indicia H on the timer disc 83.The timer disc 63 is then set to operate the switch F so that thedistance between the operating roller lugs 83 and 88 will be thirtyseconds on one side of the disc and forty seconds on the other side ofthe disc.

It will be noted that I have made my ratio plate 16 with forty-ninecombinations in changes of speed, each of which are set up in a spacemarked oi by vertical and horizontal lines and in each space I haveindicated a letter of the alphabet such as A, B, C, etc., to indicatecertain indicia which also appears in the indicia column H on the faceof the disc 63. I have worked out my ratio plate 16 in this manner so asto give the most common changes adaptable to a street signal such as Dwhich are ordinarily employed and to permit the operator of my timer tobe able to set the same very quickly whenever it is desired.

The setting of the timer B is thus simple, by opening the casing A toexpose the timer, and the operator can set the roller lugs 83 and 88 inthe desired position to give the ratios of operation as'desired and asindicated on the ratio plate 16.

The ratio plate is very simplyconstructed and easy to understand afterone once becomes familiar with the same. The top row of ratios, such as15/15 from the right corner to the left corner 45/45 give the totalnumber of seconds in each of these spaces that it takes to rotate thetimer disc 63. The spaces below these spaces each indicate the sametotal of seconds as the respective top space in the top row. Thus thetimer may also be set by selecting the ratio desired, summing the totalof the ratio, and then looking in the top column for the sum total, suchas /40, equaling eighty seconds and then selecting below this top spacethe ratio of change desired which would sum total eighty seconds.

The setting of the speed of the timer disc 63 is simple by rst settingor selecting the speed of operation of the disc G3 by the selectorpointer 55, then dividing the time into the desired ratios by thedivider S3 in setting the pointer 94 of the same to the proper indicia.in the illustrated column H as hereinbefore described.

In the change of speed of operation of the time ing disc 63 it isessential that the switch operating lugs 83 and 88 uniformly depress theoperating arm 31 of the switch F. The switch F is closed justmomentarily, but this momentary closing should be constant. Toaccomplish this I have provided an adjustable bearing plate 85 which isautomatically adjusted to extend over the bearing block 88 the properdistance to malntain either the operating roller lug 83 or 88approximately the same period of time in contact with the depressorblock 8E. The bearing plate 85 is pivotally and slidably connected at983 to the operating arm it in back of the timer disc 63 and adjacentthe rack 48. The operating arm ili is pivotally mounted at 485 near thepivotal connection 83 and the other end of the operating arm tll ispivotally and slideably connected at i105 to the back or" the upwardlyprojecting portion of the rack 48 between the rack i8 and the horizontal portion 58 thereof. All oi these parts are clearly indicated inFigure 5 of the drawings.

Thus when the speed of the timer disc 83 is changed by releasing thecatch 68 by engaging the pin 15 and operating the rack 48 to change theposition of the gear with the pin 66, the arm 84 automatically slidesthe bearing plate 85 above the top of the depressor block 86, When thespeed of the timer disc 63 is increased, then the bearing plate 85 isslid over automatically by the arm |04 to expose a greater surface onthe bearing block 86 for engagement of the depressor lugs 83 and 88,while when the speed of the timer disc 63 is diminished so that the sameruns slower, then the bearing plate 85 is automatically moved in thesetting of the speed of the disc 63 by the rack 45 so that the rollerlugs will remain the same proportionate time, engaging the depressorblock 86 so that the switch Fis always operated at virtually the samelength of time In other words, no matter how fast or how slow the timerdisc operates, the switch F will be closed the same length of time byvirtue of the automatic adjustment of the bearing plate 85. This isimportant because it insures the operation of the magnet G in the signalD by permitting the switch F to be always operating uniformly. Themanner in which the switch F controls the magnet G is shown in Figurel1.

In Figure 6 I have illustrated the detail showing the operation of oneof the roller lugs either 83 or 88 in position to close the switch F toclose the contacts 38 and 39. This illustration shows the roller lug 83engaging the depressor block 86 and the relative position of theautomatically adjustable bearing plate 85.

My timer B may be operated to regulate the time of operation of the samein another manner independent of the setting of the same by placing thepin 91 in the notches |00. This may be done by disengaging the pin 91 byan outward radial pull on the pointer arm and then pivoting the pointerarm 93 to any desired position. The lug 83 is then released into thecorresponding notch |00. This is accomplished by a series of closelyrelated notches |08 which are positioned from the notch 98 along theperiphery of the disc 63 on the opposite side of the disc 63 to thenotches |00. By engaging the roller lug 88 and releasing the same fromthe notch 08 the pin 91 may be placed in one of the notches |08 whichmay be selected. The selection of the desired notch will be hereinafterset forth.

In this setting of my timer B I have provided the timer motor shaft 33with a governor J. The governor J is provided with governor weights |00which are adapted to rotate about the shaft 33 as the shaft rotates,being carried by the spring arms IIB which are fixed to the shaft on oneend I I2. The other ends of the spring arms IIO support a disc II3. Asthe motor E operates the governor J is rotated and the disc II3 is alsorotated and drawn back and forth on the shaft |03 in proportion to therotation of the governor J.

I provide a governor regulator which includes a thumb operated screw' II6 threaded into the supporting wall I I5, which also supports the outerend I I6 of the shaft 33. The operating screw I I9 is adapted to movethe arm I I1 which is provided with a felt or leather bearing member II8so as to move the arm II1 away from or toward the surface |I9 of thegovernor disc |I3. The thumb screw I I9 is rotatably connected at |20 tothe operating arm II1 so that the screw I III may rotate withoutrotating the arm I |1, and to hold the arm II1 in proper alinement Ihave provided a guide pin I2I which slides freely in the bearing |22when the thumb screw IIllv is operated. In the operation of my timer Bwhen it is desired to set the same with different speeds and ratios ofspeed other than those illustrated'on the ratio plate 16, I employ thegovernor J and the notches |08 for the setting of the time dividerpointer 93.

To set the timer B in this manner it is desirable to use a stop watch,so that the desired timing may be more readily obtained. Then the speedregulator may be operated by setting the pointer 55 at the minimum speeddesired and then by regulating the governor by means of the screw II4which will cause the member II8 to engage the disc II3 to retard thespeed of the governor J, the desired time of rotation can be obtainedfor the disc 63.

Thus the timerdisc 63 may be set lfor any speed between the speeds suchas 30, 40, 50, and so on up to 90 seconds in a very simple manner bysetting the speed indicating pointer 65 at one of these ratios indicatedon the ratio plate 16 which indicates the minimum speed and thenadjusting the governor to slow down the motor E the desired number ofseconds for the complete rotation of the timer disc 63. For example:should the minimum time of rotation be not more than fifty seconds andthe maximum is less than sixty seconds for the selected rotation of thetimer disc 63, the speed indicating pointer 55 is placed above the spaceindicating 25/25 in the top column of the ratio plate 'I6 in theordinary manner heretofore described, and then by comparison with thestop watch the governor J may be regulated to set the time of thecomplete rotation of the timing disc 63 at the desired time byregulating the speed of the motor E. In this manner any of the speedsbetween the respective total'speeds indicated in the top horizontalcolumn or spaces of the ratio disc 16 may be obtained, and each timethat a minimum new speed is selected between the minimum totals of thatindicated by the ratios on the top column in the plate 13 the governor Jis readiusted as just described. In this manner my timer B is easily setso as to accomplish virtually any setting of time between thirty andninety seconds. This limitation between thirty and ninety can be, ofcourse, varied if it is desired, by enlarging or decreasing the timingdisc 63 and the ratio plate 16. After the total rotation time for thetimer disc 63 is accomplished by setting the timer disc 63 and thegovernor J as just described, then the division of the time of rotationof the timer disc 63 may be accomplished by setting the time divider 93with the pin 91 in one of the notches |08 to properly divide the time oforation of the respective operating roller lugs 83 and B8. The setting0f this time divider in the proper notch |08 can be also accomplished byreferring to the stop watch to get the correct division of time. In thismanner I provide a timer capable of timing the street signal D withalmost any range of time or ratio of periods with respect to each other,yet the parts are comparatively simple, easily adjusted and quickly setto accomplish the results desired.

When using the ratio plate 16 with the division of time for the timerdisc 63 as indicated by the ratios on the plate 16, the governor is notordinarily employed. It may remain without effecting the operation ofthe timer B in any way so long as the retarder arm I I1 is not operatedin a manner to engage with the surface I i9 of the disc I I3, butpermitting the motor shaft 33 to be rotated freely independent of thegovernor, or the governor may be dispensed with if the ratios on theplate 16 are sufficient to accomplish the changes of time desired.

My timer B may be operated by hand independent of the timer disc 63 byopening the case A and permitting the traic officer or anyone to engagethe depressor block 86 and switch F into operation by making thecontacts of the points 38 and 39. This is an important feature of mytimer as it permits the trafiic oiiicer if he desires, to direct theoperation of the signal D either by shutting oi of the motor E or bythrowing the speed gear 45 into a neutral position between the rows ofpins 66. Thus my timer B may be readily operated by hand by the simpleoperation of depressing the block 86 each time it is desired to changethe signal D.

In accordance with the patent statutes I have described the principlesof operation of my timer and I have endeavored to set forth the bestembodiment thereof, however, the illustrations 7i are only suggestive ofa means of carrying out my invention and other uses and changes may bemade within the scope of the following claims without departing from thespirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A traffic signal timer comprising, a timer disc, switch operatinglugs carried by said disc, means for supporting said lugs radiallyslidable, resilient means for holding said lugs in operative position,one of said lugs being adjustable circumferentially, notches for holdingsaid adjustable lug in set position, means for indicating the positionof said lug, and means for operating said timer disc at various speeds.

2. A timer comprising, an electric switch adapted to close a circuit fora street signal, a timer disc, switch operadng lugs carried by saidtimer disc in a manner to be rotated to operate said switch, means forslidably supporting each of said lugs radially, means for adjusting oneof said lugs circumferentially to change the operating position of thesame, means for driving said timer disc, and means for varying therotative speed of said timer disc.

3. A timer for traflic signals, including, an electric motor operable ata constant speed, a rotatable timer disc, an electric switch, operatinglugs carried by said rotatable disc in a manner to close said switch inthe rotation of said rotatable disc, means for adjusting the position ofone of said operating lugs to cause the lugs to operate said switch atdifferent relative intervals during a rotation of the disc, and meansfor regulating the speed of said rotatable disc while said motor isoperating at a constant speed.

4. A timer operable in cycles including, a self contained electricswitch, operable into open and closed positions, external means foroperating said switch to close the same at intervals during each cycleof the timer, means for regulating said switch closing means to changesaid intervals of time elapsing between the operations of said switchduring each timer cycle, electrical means operable at a constant speedfor operating said timer, and means ior varying the speed of said switchoperating means while said electrical means operates at a constantspeed.

5. A timer for traiiic signals including, a timer disc, an electricmotor for operating said timer disc, variable speed regulating meansinterposed between said motor and said timer disc, radially movableswitch operating lugs carried by said timer disc, one of said lugshaving circumferential adjustment and position indicating meansassociated with said lug on the face of said disc, a member foroperating said variable speed regulating means, and means for indicatingthe position of said variable speed regulating means by a ratio plateand pointer to said ratio plate operable automatically by said variableregulating means.

6. A timer for traific signals including, an electric switch for closinga signal operating circuit, a rotatable operating member having lugs forengaging said switch to close the same, one of said lugs including meansfor adjusting the position of the same on said rotatable member, a motorfor operating said rotatable member, variable speed operating meansinterposed between said motor and said rotatable member, and means forindicating the position of said variable speed operating means.

7. A trailic signal timer including, motor means operable at a constantspeed, a self contained switch for closing a circuit to a trailicsignal, a disc timer member, means for operating said disc at variablespeeds while said motor operates at constant speed, means including aratio plate for indicating the speed of operation of said disc, pointermeans associated with said disc operating means acting in conjunctionwith said plate, switch operating lugs carried by said disc, one ofwhich is adapted to be adjustable on said disc to be set as indicated bysaid pointer and plate.

8. A timer for traiiic signals including, a self contained switchoperable into open or closed position for closing a circuit foroperating a traflic signal, a rotatable member, means on said rotatablemember for engaging said switch to close the same, variable speed meansfor operating said rotatable member, and means for regulating theengagement of said switch engaging means with said switch.

9. A timer including, a timer disc, switch operating lugs carried bysaid timer disc, means for operating said timer disc at various speeds,an electric switch, means for resiliently supporting said switchengaging lugs to move radially in operation, means for supporting one ofsaid lugs circumferentially adjustable on said disc, and means forautomatically equalizing the length of time said operating lugs engagesaid switch for each rotative speed.

10. A timer for street traffic signals including, an electric switchmeans which is adapted to operate a trac signal, means for operatingsaid electric switch means at different intervals of time to varytraffic past said signal, .a ratio plate having a series of time ratiosappearing on the face thereof in spaced horizontal and vertical columnsand an indicator operatively connected `to said second-named means andto said plate, whereby the setting of said timer at the desired ratiomay be effected by placing the indicator at the desired position at saidratio plate.

11. A timer for traffic signals including, means for closing an electriccircuit by lug members, one of said members being adjustable in positionand the other a rotatably fixed member, means for indicating theposition of said adjustable lug, means for varying the speed ofoperation of the timer, and a ratio plate adapted to indicate thesetting of said timer speed varying means to set the timer at the timeratios indicated on said ratio plate.

12. A timer for traffic signals including, an electric switch member,means for operating said electric switch member to operate a streettramo signal, a computed ratio plate adapted to indicate various ratiosof time at which said timer can be set, and a speed regulator having anindicating pointer adapted to coordinate with said ratio plate toindicate the setting of said timer in accordance with the ratios of saidplate and the setting of said indicating pointer.

13. n timer for street signals, a timer disc, operating lugs carried bysaid disc, a self contained switch operable into open and closedpositions and operable by said lugs, a motor for operating said disc, atransmission and gear shaft between said motor and said disc, means forautomatically varying the duration of time which said switch is heldclosed in proportion to the speed of rotation of said lugs operable bysaid gear shaft for said disc, and ratio plate and pointer means forautomatically indicating the operation of said timer.

14. A timer for traic signals including gearing, means for changing thegear ratio thereof to change its speed of operation, a ratio platehaving ratio and speed-indicating indicia, thereon, and

a slidable indicator operatively connected to said means and said ratioplate, whereby the rate of s operation oi said timer may be indicatedVon the said ratio plate.

,15. A tramo signal timer including, electric motor means, a rotatableswitch operating disc, lugs carried by said disc for operating anelectric 10 switch which is adapted to operate a traffic signal, meansfor slpporting one of' said lugs ad- Justable circumferentially todifferent positions Y on said disc, the other of said lugs fixed tosaidALVIN O. OLAFSON.

